Even those with full-time jobs or family responsibilities can find time to continue their education. The Internet has made this noble goal possible. Surfers who conduct a simple online search can quickly become overwhelmed by the plethora of online schools vying for prospective students’ attention. Consumers can expect such schools to provide them with a career diploma or degree that will lead to a higher-paying job as well as personal fulfillment. Despite the large number of schools offering distance education, a wise consumer will look for accredited schools that offer diploma programs online.
Regrettably, not all of the schools that promote their online programs are reputable colleges and universities. Some of them are simply diploma mills out to defraud customers out of their hard-earned cash. Others are not recognized by employers or accredited schools because they are not accredited by an educational agency.
Prospective students should research the various schools that offer distance education programs before enrolling in an online school and paying expensive tuition bills. Choose a well-known school that offers both brick-and-mortar and online programs as one way for consumers to ensure they are choosing accredited diploma programs online. Drexel University and Syracuse University, both nationally recognized universities, are just two of many reputable colleges and universities that offer programs that can be completed on campus or online. Many other colleges with a long history have started offering diploma programs online as well.
The accreditation of the school by one of several nationally recognized accrediting organizations is a second way for consumers to find reputable diploma programs online. These groups examine the credentials of colleges and career schools on a regular basis. This guarantees that these schools meet the accrediting agency’s requirements. Accrediting bodies such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the United States Department of Education (USDE) can assist students in determining the legitimacy of an online school.
When a student attends an accredited online school, he or she may be eligible for government financial aid to help pay for school. If a student wishes to attend another school in the future, any credits earned at the online school have a better chance of being transferred to other accredited schools. More importantly, receiving an online diploma or degree from an accredited school ensures that the credential listed on the graduate’s resume will be respected by employers.